Valley of Dreams (Wild West Wind)

When the Wild West Show that has been Cassie's whole life shuts down abruptly, she and a few friends head off to find the special valley her late father always spoke of; meanwhile, Ransom and his family are working to keep their ranch -- in that exact valley.(Though reviews are inherently subjective, I prefer to provide some organization to my opinions through the use of a personal rubric. The following notes may contain spoilers.)Plot and Setting: 3 -- Plot has unique elements and no major holes. I liked the way we see Cassie adjusting to her new, and very different, life: learning skills that seem basic to others, and also searching for answers in the accumulated junk in assorted drawers. The juxtaposition of Ransom's story at the same time was also intriguing. But then the story ends so abruptly. It's absolutely incomplete (walk off a cliff, not a cliffhanger). I grudgingly understand the marketing tactic, but I hate it. The ending answers absolutely no questions. Setting is clear and believable. Timeline may be a bit hard to follow.Characters: 5 -- Relatable, realistic, interesting, dynamic characters. Even minor characters have depth, as do the relationships between characters. Lots of very unique personalities, and their actions, reactions, and interactions ring very true. The tense sibling relationship between Ransom and Lucas was interesting, as were the hints that their mother Mavis has some secrets she's keeping. Cassie's frustration at her companions' reticence was believable, as were her forays into hunting, shopping, and asking for help from local law and clergy along the way. Lots of good depth and realism, even if we don't get to find out how they all interact.Mechanics and Writing: 4.5 -- Few, if any, typos or word errors. Good use of POV (mainly Cassie and Ransom, with a few small sections of Mavis near the end). Generally skillful writing. There were a few sentences that seemed a bit odd, if not necessarily wrong. But mainly it's well written. Though (have I mentioned?) incomplete.Redeeming Value: 4.5 -- Partially focused uplifting themes or lessons. Cassie is feeling adrift and unsure in many ways, and though she acknowledges God's provision along the way, she's also aware she hasn't really been actively seeking God's direction in prayer or the Bible. Ransom is trying to pursue his own dreams, despite other obligations and resistance from his family. Sex, alcohol, violence, etc, are not glorified, and Ransom and Mavis take a strong stance against the drinking, gambling, and so on that Ransom's father and brother tended to indulge in.Personal Enjoyment: 2.5 -- I liked it, up until it didn't end. I wouldn’t mind re-reading it someday, but only if I also had the rest of the story.

The story was a bit confusing for awhile, seem like different stories going on. Then they began to fit together and became a great story. The ending left a lot of questions. I would have like the story to continue a little longer.

Enjoyed Valley of Dreams. It was fun reading about the Wild West Show. It was sad when it had to be closed up. Cassie and her friends had a big trip ahead of them. Not knowing that Cassie Valley of Dreams was already inhabitated by people. In comes Ransom his Brother Lucas his sister and mother into the picture. Who happen to be close friends of her father who had passed away. Along the way Cassie Micah and Chief come upon and indian wowen who has been hurt they take her in. The story takes place in both North and South Dakota. Ransom takes care of his folks place along with his brother Lucas. But he's kind of shy and doesn't know what say around girls. Lucas is the total opposite. He falls for Cassie at first sight not knowing who she was or why she was there. Cassie had come to take possesion of her Valley of Dreams. Instead she was welcomed as family because Ransom mom knew her father real well. It ended kind of abrupt. Looking forward to reading more in the series.

The book is great but I don't get to find out what happens!!! I wish I didn't HAVE to get book 2.

A story of a young woman whose life changes due to failure of the Wild West show where she was a star as a trick rider and performer. The manager was a ďrinker and a gambler and let the business get deep in debt. The show closed and Cassie and two older men fled taking the wagon, her horse and dog. They had a few head of cattle and an old bull buffalo. Cassie's father owned a valley he had bought many years ago. Her father and mother had passed away. So with her friends she sets out to find this Valley to start a new life. A very good book, a pleasure to read since there was no gutter language or graphic sex scenes.

I really liked this book. It held my attention throughout. The author takes time to create the setting and form the characters.My only issue with this is the fact that it could become repetitive. There were sentences that were repeated word for word, making me wonder if it was poor editing or that the story needed to be drawn out.This is only the first part of the series. There is not a true conclusion, requiring one to read the rest of the books to find out what really happens.

Addy Lockwood is the daughter of the owners of a Wild West Show. She is the star trick rider and sharp shooter. When her parents die "Uncle" Jason mismanages things and the show has to be sold. Addy and two of workers in the show (Chief and Micah) head out in the wagon with a few stock animals and supplies to find the Valley Addie's father always talked about. The Valley is in South Dakota. The story also revolves around some ranchers and a little town. The plot goes back and forth between the two stories. This is the first in a series and the story is not completed.

I have to state, at the beginning, I was NOT prepared for the ending. What? I'm done?I enjoyed meeting the characters - each is as important as the other. But with the last page, there is quite the shift that is so unexpected...Now I need to find the next book to, hopefully, answer a few questions. But I really dislike when a story does not end within the covers - that is a pet peeve of mine... If book 2 does the same thing I know I won't read on...

I am not happy with a book that leaves the main storyline unfinished. I love reading sequels, but I don't expect what purports to be a book to actually be only one part of a serial.I was also more than a bit put off by the continual detailed description of the processes completed for each animal slaughtered and it's butchering. Once was enough.I gave the 'book' 4 stars purely because it was well written with well drawn characterisation. The story held my interest.I am not sure that I am prepared to buy the next episode in the serial because I prefer to switch from one story type to another once I have finished a book and I had expected to finish a book so my next one is purchased and ready to read.I think that publishers should have to issue a warning for readers about publications like this. They are really a catchpenny.

Not a wild west story, but on the cusp of two centuries and the different lives each created. Cassie was from the Wild West memories of her parents and had to deal with life in the present that was completely foreign to her. Her troupe family was all she knew until she was forced to run and find the life her father had dreamed of. ..but with her Indian friend as their guide. Curious on what happens next!

A delightful story which ends at the climax. You will have to read book 2 to find out what happens. Excellent story as a show is forced to close by poor management and the star turn goes to look for her lost legacy and her late fathers dream valley with 2 red Indians.

Another entertaining tale from this author. Lots of authentic feeling historical details and well written characters. I look forward to reading more of this series.

Great characters and well drawn. Easy to practically hear the dialogues and dialects.Only wish more had been shown of the resolution. Guess I'll just have to read the next!